A grassroots-based association of former overseas Filipino workers in La Union received P500 thousand worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment through its Regional Office in the Ilocos Region.

The assistance, which is in support to the association’s garments production project consist of equipment and trainings on business management, simplified bookkeeping and financial reports preparation.

For its part, the local government unit shouldered P125 thousand for the project’s housing which is a two-storey building at the Aringay Civic Center located along the national highway. The second floor will serve as production area wherein all raw materials, equipment, tools, furniture and fixtures will be placed. The first floor will serve as display or storage area for finished products and waiting area for customers. Aside from this, the LGU will be providing for the beneficiaries’ micro-insurance, permits, licensing, and meals during the training period.

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Some 18 members who are TESDA-certified dressmakers will be directly involved in the garments production.

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“I know you have been waiting for this livelihood assistance. The challenge for you now is to manage it well and establish a sustainable source of income and employment for your members,” Director Ursua said.

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At present, the association is targeting as its market and customers the various elementary and secondary schools in the municipality, LGU employees, athletes and its 11 network partners in different towns in La Union.

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Evelyn Dulay, the president of Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar and vice-president of the Bannuar ti La Union, expressed her gratitude to DOLE for helping them establish a viable reintegration project.

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A former OFW, Dulay, had tried her luck as household service worker in Singapore and in Qatar. Unfortunately, work in these countries did not lead to a better life that she wished for. After six months, she returned to the Philippines. She tried again to work overseas but her second attempt led her be victimized by an illegal recruiter.

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This prompted her to join the Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar, a federation of barangay-based organizations of migrant workers from the different barangays of Aringay in La Union.

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Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar has 50 members, while the Bannuar enjoys the membership of over 500 migrant worker returnees and families of OFWs mostly from the municipalities of Pugo, San Gabriel, Naguilian, Bauang, Sudipen, Santol, Aringay, Caba, Bacnotan, Luna and the City of San Fernando.

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The organization is affiliated with the Bannuar ti La Union Federation, an association of migrant workers and their families that was established in 2001, and registered with the Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Office I in 2010.